The issue of India’s “push-in” along the border is part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) political commitment and an internal political matter of that country, said Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahedur Rahman on Tuesday, adding that it is not intended to put Bangladesh under pressure.
He made the remarks while responding to questions at a press briefing at the Press Information Department (PID) conference room at the secretariat, where updates on various government activities were presented.
Referring to reports of push-ins along the Bangladesh border from India’s West Bengal, the adviser said the matter should be viewed in the context of West Bengal’s domestic politics and recent elections.
“What West Bengal in India is trying to do… we have certainly followed the West Bengal elections. It was an issue in the election. This is their internal political matter, part of which is putting some pressure on us,” he said.
“I do not think the Indian government is doing this to create any tension with Bangladesh. The new government that has come to power in West Bengal through elections had certain election commitments,” he added.
He further said the developments reflect the political dynamics of West Bengal.
“They have their own politics, and this is a kind of expression of that,” he said, adding that discussions at various levels between Bangladesh and India indicate a willingness to move past tensions that emerged after August 5.
“I strongly believe that the new government in Bangladesh, and during conversations at various levels with the Indian government—including my own discussions—they want to move out of the situation that existed after August 5 under Dr. Yunus’s government. Both sides want that,” he said.
“Therefore, I believe the crisis is primarily visible now, but a solution will come soon. In no way do I think this is being done intentionally to damage relations with Bangladesh or to put Bangladesh under pressure,” he added.
Responding to questions about reported attacks on Chhatra Dal activists by banned Awami League and Chhatra League members in different areas, sometimes preceded by loudspeaker announcements, the adviser said the government was alert to the situation.
“If measures had not been taken or if the government had not been alert, this tendency would have been even greater,” he said.
“We have repeatedly said that even if law enforcement agencies try their best, there is always a tendency to violate the law in any country. This is true everywhere, and in countries like ours it is even more pronounced,” he added.
He also referred to discussions over the legal status of the Awami League, noting that its activities were suspended under the 2009 Anti-Terrorism Act.
“Some people have also turned this into criticism, claiming that Awami League activities were banned under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009. The ordinance for that, for the time being, has been turned into a law by this government,” he said.
“This reflects the government’s intention that the ban should remain. Sometimes incidents occur in violation of that. The Ministry of Home Affairs will certainly remain serious about this. As you mentioned, there were attempts on a large scale with loudspeaker announcements, and the government will work to stop such tendencies,” he added.
